Wayne Rooney sets new target for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho

Wayne Rooney believes Alejandro Garnacho has been Manchester United's best player this season – but has challenged him to increase his attacking output.

Rooney made the admission after Garnacho played a key role in helping United secure a return to winning ways against Everton on Saturday, winning two first half penalties. For the first, he drew a foul from James Tarkowski, before a driving run was only halted by Ben Godfrey for the second.

He was a threat throughout the game, causing problems for the Everton rearguard down both flanks. The only criticism that could have been aimed at him was his indecisiveness when he found himself inside the box with the opportunity to test Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

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Despite his composure, certainly in one-versus-one situations, needing further development, Rooney lauded the Argentine in his post-match analysis, hailing a collection of his personal attributes – but urged him to increase his attacking output.

"I think you find with young players, when they pick the ball up, they're always very direct but that works really well for him so often," Rooney told TNT Sports. "It's sloppy from Godfrey to give the penalty away, but for me today, it was Garnacho who was the one that made everything happen today.

"He was the best player on the pitch. His work rate off the ball is fantastic, he's never afraid to put the work in.

"He's going to make mistakes, every player does, especially at his age, but he's still learning and what he has got is a drive and hunger which is something that any fan wants to see in any player so I've been really impressed with